Help! I Think I Have A Serious Termite Infestation In Richmond, VA

• Mud tubes constructed along the home’s exterior
• Darkening or blistering wood
• Damaged wood is thin and easily punctured
• Longitudinal cavities called galleries inside the wood
• Feces that look like sawdust

Some species of subterranean termite can create colonies 60,000 strong on the small end and either continue growing or branch into multiple colonies. Because of their extremely fast reproductive rates, a few termites can become a termite problem in no time. The more termites you have, the more damage can be done in a shorter period of time.

How Long Does It Take For Termites To Destroy A Home In Richmond?

A colony of 60,000 termites is capable of eating 5 grams of wood a day. In the most optimistic circumstances in which you have only one relatively small colony, this could mean that your home won’t see significant damage for years or decades. However, this isn’t likely to be the case.

In the United States alone, termites do over five billion dollars worth of damage each year, and it often isn’t covered by homeowners’ insurance. This can be a major blow, especially if you moved into a home that already had significant damage. Because termite damage is exponential, a yearly termite inspection is essential to stave off irreparable harm to homes at risk of infestations. If your home doesn’t currently have termite prevention methods in place, it’s not too late to get an inspection and get started with your termite prevention regimen.

Is There A Way To Prevent Termites In Richmond?

The number one way to prevent termites is to enlist your local pest control for an annual termite inspection. However, there are a few other things you can do to protect your home, such as:

• Leave 6 to 8 inches between wood and soil.
• Don’t plant shrubs or dense plants near your home.
• Make sure underground structures like crawl spaces are well-ventilated.
• Ensure exterior wood is pressure-treated with preservatives.
• Seal any exterior cracks and holes with silicone-based caulk.
• Don’t leave wood scraps, stumps, or other decaying wood in your yard or near your home.
• Apply termiticides to the soil surrounding the home.

Most of these prevention methods can be done without the supervision of a professional; however, applying poisons and repellants can be dangerous and ineffective if done on your own. The best way to get rid of termites and prevent them year-round is always with professional assistance.